Kindergarten Eligibility
When can my child start kindergarten? Your child must turn three by April 30 of the year they start a Three-Year-Old Kindergarten program. Your child must turn four by April 30 of the year they start a Four-Year-Old Kindergarten program.
For more information, visit http://www.vic.gov.au/when-start-kindergarten
Does my child have to be immunised?
Yes. Your child must be up to date with their vaccinations to go to kindergarten in Victoria.
At enrolment, you will need to provide a copy of your child’s Immunisation History Statement from the Australian Immunisation Register. Make sure your child’s immunisations are up to date before enrolment. More information can be found at
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/no-jab-no-play
Children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage can be enrolled without an Immunisation History Statement for a short time.
How much does it cost to register an expression of interest?
It is free to register your child in kindergarten.
How do I register an expression of interest?
To enrol your child in kindergarten, please complete and return the expression of interest form.
If you need help to complete the form, contact the Loddon Shire Council Early Years team on (03) 5494 1200.
How do I know my child's kindergarten expression of interest has been received?
After you complete the form, you will receive an email confirming that we have received your submission.
Can I change my preferences before I get an offer of a place?
Yes. To change your preferences or other details, please contact Loddon Shire Council’s Early Years team on (03) 5494 1200 or earlyyears@loddon.vic.gov.au
Can I cancel my preferences before I get an offer of a place?
Yes. To change your preferences or other details, please contact Loddon Shire Council’s Early Years team on (03) 5494 1200 or earlyyears@loddon.vic.gov.au
Can I cancel my child’s kindergarten expression of interest?
Yes. To cancel your registration, contact the Loddon Shire Council Early Years team on (03) 5494 1200 or earlyyears@loddon.vic.gov.au
Is my information safe?
Yes. Information is kept in a safe and private database.
If you accept a kindergarten place, we will give the kindergarten your contact information. Kindergartens must also keep information safe and follow strict privacy laws.
Offers
How are kindergarten places given out?
Loddon Shire Council prioritises places for children most in need. We ask for information on the enrolment form determine if your child meets kindergarten priority of access criteria. For more information about priority criteria and how places are given out, see the Department of Education Priority of Access criteria
If you would like more information on how Loddon Shire Council allocates kindergarten places, contact the Early Years team on earlyyears@loddon.vic.gov.au or (03) 5494 1200.
For children who do not meet priority criteria, a random ballot is used to give each child their highest available preference. There is no ‘first in, first served’ rule.
How and when are offers made?
First round offers are made in September.
If your child has received a first round offer, we will tell you in an email or text message. You have 14 days to accept the offer, or decline and be put on the waiting list.
If your child has not received a first round offer, we will send you an email or text message telling you that your child has been put on the waiting list.
Second round offers are made in early October and include all children on the waiting list.
Any later offers are made when places become available.
You can accept or decline an offer by replying to the email or text message.
What happens after I accept a kindergarten place?
When you accept a kindergarten place, we will contact you to finalise the enrolment of your child at kindergarten.
Can I defer an offer?
No, offers for kindergarten places cannot be deferred. You must either accept or decline the offer. If you decline the offer you can enrol again for next year or contact Loddon Shire Council Early Years team to talk about other local kindergarten options on earlyyears@loddon.vic.gov.au or (03) 5494 1200.
Expression of Interest Form